Philippine President Says He Will Return US Missile System If China Stops Aggression

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed Beijing’s objection over the Typhon system, saying China’s systems are ‘a thousand times more powerful.’

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos delivers a speech at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Oct. 7, 2024. Ezra Acayan/POOL/AFP

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he would return the U.S. Typhon missile system stationed in the country if the Chinese regime stops its aggression in the South China Sea.

The U.S. Army deployed the mid-range missile system to the Philippines in April 2024 during a military exercise, leading to repeated objections from Beijing.